Gluten-Free Dinners

Don't let gluten restrictions cramp your style. Whether a dinner party or a dinner for two, these gluten-free recipes will be a hit.

Don't let gluten restrictions cramp your style. Whether a dinner party or a dinner for two, these gluten-free recipes will be a hit.

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April 02, 2012

1 of 29Photo: Oxmoor House

Healthy Gluten-Free Dinners

If you're trying to juggle both gluten-free and gluten-containing dinners, keep things organized. It's best to prepare the gluten-free version first to prevent contamination of work surfaces, cutting boards, and cooking utensils. We don't recommend trying to prepare both at the same time; it's too easy to get confused, and you are more likely to cross-contaminate. Focus on one thing at a time.

Our first recipe is Chickpea Bajane. Bajane is a Provençal term for the midday meal. Chickpeas are a staple in Provence, where they are often stewed and served with pasta and vegetables. In this version, chickpeas, leeks, carrots, fennel, and spinach are served atop protein-rich quinoa.

Tabbouleh-Style Amaranth Salad

It’s important that the amaranth is placed in a fine mesh sieve; the grain is so small that it will slip through a traditional strainer. If one is not available, place the cooked amaranth on a large baking sheet, and spread it in a thin layer so it will cool without clumping together.

Pan-Fried Catfish with Cajun Tartar Sauce

Instead of a traditional crunchy coating, we used a Cajun spice blend to season the fish and pan-fried it in a pan coated with cooking spray, which helps keep calories in check and is less involved than deep-fat frying. For a spicier sauce, add more hot pepper sauce.

Indian-Spiced Salmon

"The Indian-Spiced Salmon and Nutty Basmati Rice were both great!" said reader Connie Hendon. "They were easy to prepare and did not require a lot of time. I simply cooked some fresh green beans to go with these two dishes, and we had an easy, complete meal. My family loved them. Oh, and of course no one noticed that it did not have gluten."

Seared Scallops with Farmers' Market Salad

Be sure you buy dry-packed scallops. Scallops marked "wet packed" have been treated with a liquid solution containing sodium tripolyphosphate. The scallops absorb the salty mixture and plump up, resulting in a heavier weight and a higher market price. But when you cook them, the liquid portion will cook out, leaving you with smaller scallops and higher sodium content.

Pan-Seared Scallops with Bacon and Spinach

Scallops cooked in a pan are always in danger of being steamed rather than seared, so be sure to use a big pan and high heat. A cast-iron skillet is ideal since it gets really hot and can handle high temperatures, unlike a nonstick skillet, which has a more delicate nonstick coating that can only handle up to medium-high heat.

Mango Shrimp Kebabs

These fresh-flavored kebabs are a great option for entertaining. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them on the grill or they’ll burn, and discard after use. Metal skewers can be reused and require no soaking.

Greek Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto

If you don’t have dill on hand, chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley or chives will also work in this dish. "It was a hit and not as difficult as I first thought," said reader Anita Royse. "This recipe will be a good one to serve when I have another couple over for dinner."

Herbes de Provence-Crusted Lamb Chops

The Dijon mustard and dried herbs rub also tastes great on chicken thighs or beef fillets. Herbes de Provence is a combination of several dried herbs—including lavender, thyme, rosemary, and basil—that evokes flavors from the south of France.

Sweet and Sour Pork

"I made the Sweet and Sour Pork with my mother and sister," said reader Sherl Taylor. "We had all given up this dish when eating out—the batter and super sweet sauce didn’t fit my diet plan even before I had to become gluten free. This was a tasty and much lighter alternative. We loved the flavors of pineapple and peppers with the crunch of the water chestnuts."

Grilled Plum and Prosciutto-Stuffed Pork Chops

Spicy Herb-Rubbed Grilled Chicken

Place zucchini and red bell peppers next to the chicken on the grill for an easy and colorful side. Commercial rubs may contain gluten, so keep this simple but versatile six-ingredient rub in your pantry. It quickly turns ordinary steak, chicken, or fish fillets into a tasty entrée. Vary the main herb, oregano, to suit your taste—the same amount of dried basil or thyme is just as delicious. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Chicken Enchiladas

"These enchiladas were relatively simple to prepare, and the recipe called for ingredients that I would ordinarily already have in my kitchen, which is great," said reader Peggy Christoffer. "I might replace the can of mild chili peppers with one or two fresh jalapeño peppers for a bit more spice."